President Bola Tinubu did not shy away from disagreeing with the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) over its assessment of the country's economy and security during a recent meeting at the Presidential Villa, according to Emeritus Archbishop John Cardinal Onaiyekan.
Speaking in an interview with ARISE Television following the now-viral meeting, Onaiyekan said the meeting between the president and Catholic bishops was frank and respectful, with both sides expressing their views openly.
He said Tinubu acknowledged the concerns raised by the bishops but made it clear that he saw the situation differently.
"President Tinubu clearly told us that he did not agree with us," Cardinal Onaiyekan said.
"He believes that things are getting better.
"We believe that many Nigerians are still suffering.
"That is our assessment."
The cardinal said the bishops did not attend the meeting to score political points but to present what they believed reflected the reality facing ordinary Nigerians.
"We spoke as pastors who are close to the people," he said.
"We hear their cries.
"We know what they are going through."
During the meeting, the Catholic bishops raised concerns over insecurity, economic hardship, the protection of Christians' constitutional rights, the independence of democratic institutions and the return of mission schools.
Archbishop Matthew Ndagoso, president of the bishops' conference, urged the administration to reassure Christians of their equal place in Nigeria and ensure credible elections in 2027.
Responding, Tinubu defended his administration's record, saying he inherited enormous challenges but was working to address them.
"I don't run away from what I inherited.
"I inherited challenges.
"Am I doing something about it? Yes," the president said.
He also told the bishops, "We don't have another country but here, this Nigeria," adding that his government had approved the expansion of the armed forces and would continue efforts to defeat terrorism.
Despite the disagreement, Cardinal Onaiyekan described the discussion as healthy and constructive.
"It was not an argument.
"It was an exchange of views," he said.
"He listened to us, and we listened to him."
The former Archbishop of Abuja also urged Nigerians not to expect religious leaders to endorse government policies uncritically, saying the Church has a duty to speak truthfully on issues affecting citizens.
"Our responsibility is to tell the truth as we see it," Onaiyekan said.
"Whether the government agrees with us or not is another matter."
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